News Staff El Campo City Council approved up to $450,000 in economic incentives for two growing businesses. Junior’s Smokehouse will receive up to $400,000 to support infrastructure at its new $17 million sausage facility in Meisel Industrial Park. Sonic Drive-In will get up to $50,000 for site improvements at its new North Mechanic location. While some questioned … Read more
Bay City is launching an internal review of its commercial building permit process after growing complaints from local business owners and contractors online. City officials say some of the information shared was incorrect but admit the feedback shows the need for better communication and transparency. Surveys will be sent to past applicants to gather real … Read more
El Campo residents have the right to speak at City Council meetings during public comment sessions. Texas law guarantees this opportunity, letting locals voice concerns, suggest changes, or support city actions. To participate, sign up before the meeting starts, keep comments respectful, and stay on topic. Speakers have three minutes and must state their name … Read more
Trump Burger has quietly opened in Bay City’s East Bay Plaza, bringing a full-on political theme to the local dining scene. The restaurant features Trump-branded burgers, patriotic décor, and souvenir merchandise. Despite no grand opening, it’s drawing steady foot traffic. Its launch comes as the chain faces legal drama in Kemah, where a location was … Read more
Downtown Blessing came alive Saturday for the 11th Annual Hotel Blessing Car Show, drawing crowds with classic cars, live music, and family fun. Held at the historic hotel, the event raised money for much-needed repairs after last year’s storm. Locals enjoyed food trucks, vendor booths, and a Ferris wheel, while dozens of vintage cars and … Read more
Wharton native Desurae Matthews is helping shape the future of STEM education across Texas. As a senior manager with Learning Undefeated, she oversees mobile science labs that visit schools statewide. The nonprofit first arrived after Hurricane Harvey and now partners with the Texas Education Agency. Matthews, a Wharton High grad, became their first Texas hire … Read more
Bay City residents can expect some short-term disruptions as city and state crews tackle scheduled maintenance projects. The city’s Brush Site on Skelly Road is closed until next Monday. Curbside brush pickup through GFL remains on schedule. At the same time, TxDOT crews are working along Highways 60 and 35, replacing signals, concrete, and ramps. … Read more
An El Campo man faces up to 10 years in prison after a crash last fall injured a mother and two children near Louise. A Wharton County Grand Jury indicted 29-year-old Reed Bartosh on three counts of intoxication assault. DPS says Bartosh ran a stop sign at FM 1160 and CR 360, crashing into the … Read more
Wharton ISD has named Diana Bell as the new principal of Wharton High School. Bell brings experience from Klein and Cy-Fair ISDs and holds degrees from Southern University and Prairie View A&M. The board is also accepting applications to fill a trustee seat left open after Sherrell Speer resigned in June. Applications close July 28. … Read more
Bay City officials are urging residents to ignore a false Facebook post and unauthorized emails that wrongly claimed the city’s water was unsafe and lift stations were down. According to a public notice, all lift stations are fully operational and there is no water quality advisory. Officials emphasized that the only trusted sources for emergency … Read more